Idaho Hunter Safety Course

Chapter 12: Wildlife Management & Hunting Ethics

With the world's human population ever increasing, there is also an increase in urban and industrial development. Every day, thousands of acres of natural habitat are converted into housing developments, shopping malls, parking lots, factories, highways etc. Habitat loss is, without a doubt, the greatest immediate threat to wildlife populations. Some species such as squirrels, mice and skunks, are highly adaptable and can migrate and thrive in an urban environment. Others such as deer, moose and bears, for example, are not so lucky and need access to their natural habitat in order to survive.

As hunters, we must follow a strict ethical code and act as stewards of the land, enforcing wildlife management practices and conservation efforts to ensure that generations to come will enjoy all wildlife, just as we do. In this chapter, we will explore the factors required for a healthy wildlife population, as well as the components that make up successful wildlife management practices and explore conservation efforts by hunters and non-hunters alike.